Learn how to grow and care for Silver Mound Artemisia, an elegant perennial with soft silver foliage. Get tips on planting, maintenance and using this versatile plant to enhance your garden.
Are you looking for a plant that adds a touch of elegance and texture to your garden? Look no further than Silver Mound Artemisia (Artemisia schmidtiana ‘Nana’). This beautiful perennial, with its soft, silvery foliage, can be a stunning addition to any landscape. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about growing and caring for Silver Mound Artemisia, along with creative ways to use it in your garden design.
Here’s a concise and verified information chart for Silver Mound Artemisia:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Artemisia schmidtiana |
| Common Name | Silver Mound Artemisia |
| Plant Type | Perennial, Ornamental Herb |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 4-9 |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type | Well-draining, average garden soil |
| Watering | Low to moderate; allow soil to dry out between waterings |
| Growth Habit | Compact, mound-forming with fine, feathery foliage |
| Height/Spread | Height: 8-12 inches; Spread: 12-18 inches |
| Special Features | Attractive silvery foliage; drought-tolerant; low maintenance |
What is Silver Mound Artemisia?
Silver Mound Artemisia is a compact, mounding perennial known for its finely textured, silver-gray foliage. It’s part of the Asteraceae family and is native to Japan. Here are some key features:
- Height: 6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
- Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7
- Foliage: Soft, feathery, silver-gray leaves
- Flowers: Insignificant yellow blooms in late summer (often removed to maintain foliage appearance)
Growing Silver Mound Artemisia
Planting Tips
- Location: Choose a spot with full sun for the best growth and color.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Artemisia doesn’t tolerate wet feet.
- Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth.
- Timing: Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall.
Care and Maintenance
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Once established, Silver Mound Artemisia is drought-tolerant.
Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing:
Silver Mound Artemisia doesn’t require much fertilizer.
If desired, apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring.
Pruning:
Trim back by one-third in late spring to maintain shape and promote bushier growth.
Remove flower stalks to keep the focus on the foliage.
Winter Care:
In colder regions, apply a light layer of mulch around the base for winter protection.
Avoid heavy mulching, as it can lead to crown rot.
Dividing:
Divide plants every 3-4 years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent center die-out.
Common Problems and Solutions
Center Die-Out:
Cause: Age or excessive moisture
Solution: Divide the plant or improve drainage
Yellowing Foliage:
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Solution: Reduce watering and ensure proper soil drainage
Leggy Growth:
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to a sunnier location or prune to encourage bushier growth
Creative Ways to Use Silver Mound Artemisia in Your Garden
- Rock Gardens: Its compact size and drought tolerance make it perfect for rock gardens.
- Border Edging: Create a soft, silvery border along pathways or garden beds.
- Container Planting: Use as a centerpiece or filler in container arrangements.
- Color Contrast: Plant alongside dark-leaved plants for a striking contrast.
- Moon Gardens: Include in night gardens where its silvery foliage will reflect moonlight.
- Xeriscaping: Incorporate into water-wise landscape designs.
- Herb Gardens: While not culinary, it adds texture to herb garden designs.
Companion Plants for Silver Mound Artemisia
Consider pairing Silver Mound Artemisia with these complementary plants:
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Lavender (Lavandula)
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
- Ornamental Grasses (like Blue Fescue)
Silver Mound Artemisia is a versatile and elegant perennial that can enhance various garden styles. With its low-maintenance nature and striking silver foliage, it’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. By following these care tips and creative planting ideas, you can successfully incorporate this beautiful plant into your landscape and enjoy its soft, silvery charm for years to come.
Remember, the key to success with Silver Mound Artemisia is providing good drainage and resisting the urge to overwater. With the right conditions, this plant will reward you with its stunning foliage and easy-care nature.
Learn more about drought-tolerant gardening
Discover tips for creating a rock garden
Happy gardening and enjoy the silver beauty of your Artemisia!